The VIU Mariners showcased their capabilities with a high-scoring shutout win.
Vancouver Island University’s men’s soccer team started the PacWest season with a 7-0 shellacking of the Langara Falcons on Saturday at Merle Logan Field.
“I enjoyed watching the way they played today,” said Bill Merriman, coach of the Mariners. “Like we’ve been working on, they shared the ball really well and it showed on the scoresheet.”
The M’s were ahead 2-0 after the first half, then scored two quick goals to start the second half and put the match out of reach.
Jordan de Graaf scored two goals and Fernando Fenollosa, Victor Blasco, Stefan Cukovic, Jamie Taylor and Stephen Ewashko were other scorers. Goalkeeper David Turkstra wasn’t called upon often as he earned the shutout.
“The VIU Mariners have always been a hard-working team and had the heart and that is something that will continue … For the first game, it was a good workrate from everyone,” de Graaf said. “And now that you add in the skill that this team has, it’s a very dangerous combination.”
In the women’s match earlier, VIU tied Langara 1-1. Karen Battie scored for the Mariners.
GAME ON … The M’s teams are home again Sunday (Sept. 10) to face the Douglas Royals. The women’s match is at noon followed by the men at 2:30 p.m.